One reason Sigma Kappa is unique is because we have 4 national philanthropies:
Alzheimer's Disease
In 1984, Sigma Kappa responded to an increasingly critical problem facing
older Americans by adding Alzheimer's Disease research and education to its philanthropic activities. Research grants are made each year to universities and other institutions actively engaged in
the fight against Alzheimer's Disease. Since 1988, the Foundation has
awarded nearly $500,000 in research grants to colleges and universities. Through its partnership with the
national Alzheimer’s Association,
Sigma Kappas throughout the country, as well as the Sigma Kappa Foundation, raise money for research and to increase awareness regarding the tragedy of this affliction. Currently, Sigma Kappa Sorority is the third largest contributor to the Alzheimer’s Association. For more information, please visit the Alzheimer's Association website.
How Kappa Zeta Helps:
Every year, our chapter participates in a lollipop campaign which sells lollipops on campus to raise money to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please look for us at a Moseley table and buy a yummy gourmet lollipop for only $1. All proceeds benefit Alzheimer’s research.
As a chapter we participate in the annual Memory Walk held in Burlington, NC. This is a great cause, and a lot of fun to hang out with sisters.
In 2003, the Kappa Zeta chapter started Kick in the Grass, our annual soccer tournament. We host Kick in the Grass to raise money for one of our philanthropies, Alzheimer's research. During the week, we have scheduled several events that are open to the entire campus. This is also a chance for the sisters to have fun, play around, and also get to know other groups at Elon. Each team competes for the championship. It's a great day to come out and see another side of Sigma Kappa and what the sorority means.
Gerontology
Sigma Kappa has always emphasized our Sorority as a lifetime commitment and we encourage the active involvement of our alumnae regardless of age. In 1954, Sigma Kappa became the first national sorority to recognize the need for work on the study of aging and the needs of elderly.
How Kappa Zeta Helps:
To support gerontology, the Kappa Zeta chapter visits Twin Lakes nursing home every Friday in order to spend time with the inhabitants as well as help with crafts. We also make cards, pins, hats, jewelry, and other crafts to deliver to the nursing home.
Inherit the Earth
Adopted in 1992, Inherit the Earth is Sigma Kappa's national service project. The program is designed to combine our interest in gerontology with a project to benefit the environment. Most chapters plan their Inherit the Earth project in the spring, usually around Earth Day in April.
How Kappa Zeta Helps:
To help with Inherit the Earth, Kappa Zetas have adopted Kirckpatrick Road on the way to IHOP and Outback, to do "Highway Clean Up."
Maine Sea Coast Missionary Society
Since 1918 Sigma Kappa has paid homage to its Maine roots by supporting the activities of the Maine Sea Coast Missionary Society. The Maine Sea Coast Missionary Society delivers critical services to people in need while striving to redress the root causes of those needs. With the help of the 75-foot mission vessel, Sunbeam V, direct programs and services include church and pastoral work, assistance to those in sickness and poverty, financial aid, food banks, recycled clothing shops, crisis intervention, youth programs, and ministries in the field. The Society serves the islands from mid-coast to Downeast Maine, as well as mainland Hancock and Washington counties. Sigma Kappa Sorority began the Christmas Drive for this program and the families it supports. For more information, please visit the Maine Sea Coast Mission website.
How Kappa Zeta Helps:
Throughout the year the Kappa Zeta chapter gathers and donates toiletry items and canned goods to send to the mission.
If you have any questions relating to Sigma Kappa’s philanthropy, please e-mail our Philanthropy chair, Sarah Foushee, or to make a donation or buy lollipops, please e-mail our Foundation chair, Caroline Adams.